Half-Day Helicopter Great Barrier Reef Trip
Down Under Helicopters |
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This trip is aboard AS 350 Squirrel, a 35 foot Jet Helicopter with a maximum of 6 divers. It is for 1 day, and allows 1 dive.
Departure Information
Departure is from Pickup at your lodging, Cairns at 12:30 PM Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, return time 3:50 PM.
The Dive
Have a limited amount of time and want to make the most of your short stay in Cairns? Here’s the only way to get out to the outer barrier reef in only a half a day. Not only that, but you get to combine a breathtaking view of the reef from the air, with a chance to explore in underwater on the same day.
You will fly out with Down Under Dive to rendezvous with the Down Under Dive's boat, Osprey V. The 20-minute scenic flight will give you a great look at the reef from above. Aboard the Osprey V you will joing the other guets on board the boat for two hours of exploring the reef underwater (scuba diving and/or snorkeling) and have lunch before flying home in time for a cocktail on your verandah.
The Boat
Down Under Heli uses a fleet of helicopters, choosing the machine that will suit the needs of each particular group of passengers and trip best. They are most proud of their 6-passenger AS 350B Eceuriel, fondly nicknamed (a long-standing Australian tradition) the Squirrel.
This jet helicopter is plushed out, with air-conditioning, music, video, and great visibility. Four video cameras record all the views. It makes the trip out to the reef at 200km/hr, and makes the reef and other locations a short hop, compared to the typical 70-90 min. boat trip. For smaller groups they normally use a 4-passenger Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter.
Trip Prices
Included
 Mask, Snorkel, Fins (with Snorkel price only)
2 hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef
Scenic helicopter flight to/from the reef
All dive gear (with Dive price only)
Tropical buffet lunch
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All prices are in
US Dollars. |
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1 Jun 11 -
onwards
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| Snorkeller |
$463 |
| Certified diver, one dive, full gear |
$499 |
| Snorkeller, with one intro scuba dive |
$521 |
| Extras: | |
| Beer, wine, soda, on sale at bar |
- | | Transfers to/from your Cairns lodging |
$7 | | Semi-submersible reef tour |
$10 | | Env. mangement charge and fuel levy (pay on board) |
$15 | | Transfers: Northern Beaches |
$15 |
About Down Under Helicopters
Down Under Helicopter is a local pilot-owned company founded in 2001. The owners are focused on helping visitors enjoy helicopters as a part of their Great Barrier Reef experience. The company operates using a fleet of three different helicopters, ranging in size up to a very plush 6-passenger AS.350B Eceuriel. They have shown great imagination in developing a wide range of scenic flights, and reef experiences utilizing helicopters to provide quick access to the reef and incredible views of the area.
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